Strategically located less than two miles from Knauf’s existing Queensferry plant, the largescale facility will be constructed on land to be acquired from Tata Steel’s operational steelworks in Deeside.
With an annual capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes, the new plant will meet the growing market demand for sustainable, non-combustible insulation solutions.
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The investment of around €200m will utilise cutting-edge, submerged arc furnace electric melting technology to produce low embodied carbon insulation.
Beyond delivering an even more sustainable portfolio of products, the planned Shotton facility is poised to play a vital role in the local economy. The project is expected to generate around 140 direct jobs across a variety of roles, from skilled manufacturing positions to engineering, warehouse and administrative functions. Additionally, the plant will further stimulate regional supply chains and create indirect employment opportunities.
Increased product supply
The investment in the Shotton plant allows Knauf Insulation to further decarbonise and significantly increase its UK and export supply of rock mineral wool products, complementing the Queensferry facility. The new factory will address the market’s growing need for insulation solutions with ultra-low embodied carbon and play a critical role in helping the UK achieve its net-zero and energy security goals.
The Shotton site was selected for its excellent transport links, and being close to other Knauf Insulation plants enables logistics to be optimised.
Local authority leaders from Flintshire and Wrexham - councils which are progressing a new Investment Zone in partnership with Ambition North Wales, welcomed the announcement.
In a joint response, Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and chair of Ambition North Wales and Dave Hughes, leader of Flintshire County Council and board member of Ambition North Wales, said: “The decision by Knauf to locate its new plant in Deeside is incredibly positive news, not only for those living and working within the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, but extending across North Wales. The development will build on Knauf’s already strong presence, and support growth in what is becoming a globally significant advanced manufacturing cluster in the region.
“Benefits will be far-reaching – from skills development and the creation of high-value jobs, to attracting further inward investment, all while focusing on sustainability and protecting our environment for the future.”
Significant milestone
Neil Hargreaves, managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, commented: “One year on from our original announcement about our commitment to build the new facility, this is a significant milestone not just for Knauf Insulation, but for the local communities of Deeside, and the wider UK construction sector. Our new plant will offer innovative insulation solutions that safely reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints in the built environment, while also creating meaningful job opportunities and long-term economic benefits locally.”
Dominique Bossan, CEO of Knauf Insulation EMEA Region, added: “Following the recent €50 million+ investments across our two UK glass mineral wool plants, the Knauf Group are confident in the future growth of the UK and Northern European mineral wool markets and today’s announcement represents yet another exciting development for our people, our local communities, and our valued customers.”
Subject to planning, environmental and other considerations, construction of the Shotton plant is scheduled to begin in 2026, with production anticipated to start by the end of 2027.
www.knauf.com
